LAUSR

Abstract In this study it was found that Mg-0.6Si-Zn alloys with a high Zinc (Zn) content (>2 wt%) can generate fine fibrous Mg2Si particles, as long as the solidification cooling rates could be supervised. Due to the solubility of Zn in Mg and the morphology of Mg2Si fibers, improved tensile properties were obtained for samples having refined dendritic arrangements. These results open the perspective of development of Mg-Si alloys with higher Zn contents, with greater strength and ductility due to microstructural control. Although there is a considerable difference in Zn alloying between them, both the Mg-0.6wt.%Si-2.0wt.%Zn and Mg-0.6wt.%Si-3.0wt.%Zn alloys have reached quite close optimum levels of tensile properties of the order of 200 MPa and 9%.